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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a lighting reduction policy for nonessential outdoor |
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lighting owned or operated by a political subdivision. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 305, Local Government Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter C to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER C. LIGHTING |
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Sec. 305.051. LIGHTS OUT POLICY. (a) In this section: |
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(1) "Migration season" means the periods of time: |
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(A) beginning April 1 and ending June 1; and |
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(B) beginning September 1 and ending November 1. |
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(2) "Nonessential outdoor lighting" means lighting |
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that is viewable outdoors and is not considered essential for |
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safety or functionality, as determined by a political subdivision. |
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(b) The governing body of a political subdivision shall |
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adopt an ordinance, order, or regulation that requires nonessential |
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outdoor lighting owned or operated by the political subdivision to |
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be: |
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(1) turned off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. |
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during migration season; |
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(2) reduced in natural spaces, including in trees and |
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gardens; and |
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(3) as applicable, aimed downward and to use light |
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shields or motion detectors to reduce the amount of light shining |
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into the sky or trees. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |